essence
noun
es·sence
ˈe-sᵊn(t)s 
1
a
: the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being
b
: the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence
a painting that captures the essence of the land
c
: the properties or attributes by means of which something can be placed in its proper class or identified as being what it is
2
: the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person
the essence of the issue
3
: one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form
she was the essence of punctuality
4
a(1)
: a constituent or derivative possessing the special qualities (as of a plant or drug) in concentrated form
also
: a preparation of such an essence or a synthetic substitute
(2)
: a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume)
5
: something that exists : entity
Examples of essence in a Sentence
The perennial debate about nature and nurture—which is the more potent shaper of the human essence?—is perennially rekindled.
—
Matt Ridley, Time, 2 June 2003
In essence, the positivists were the first sociologists, rejecting both superstition and metaphysics and studying behavior as a natural phenomenon that could be perfected.
—Stephan Talty, Mulatto America, 2003
I had come to Orange Cove on a statewide tour, looking for the essence of Latino life in a changing California and a good bowl of the Mexican stew …
—Joe Rodriguez, San Jose Mercury News, 20 May 2003
The essence of love is unselfishness.
The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story.
Matt Ridley, Time, 2 June 2003
In essence, the positivists were the first sociologists, rejecting both superstition and metaphysics and studying behavior as a natural phenomenon that could be perfected.
—Stephan Talty, Mulatto America, 2003
I had come to Orange Cove on a statewide tour, looking for the essence of Latino life in a changing California and a good bowl of the Mexican stew …
—Joe Rodriguez, San Jose Mercury News, 20 May 2003
The essence of love is unselfishness.
The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story.
Recent Examples on the Web
Palpatine returns Though his body may have been destroyed during the Battle of Endor, Palpatine survived in secret for years by transferring his essence to clone bodies.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
Penny Hotel Williamsburg The intimate Penny Hotel, nestled in Williamsburg's core, perfectly captures the neighborhood's artistic essence.
—Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Morat’s fifth studio album Ya Es Mañana showcases a loyal band that skillfully navigates its evolution without sacrificing its true essence.
—Luisa Calle, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Elements drawn from the home’s location became intrinsic parts of its essence.
—Jim Cappuccino, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
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Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
Penny Hotel Williamsburg The intimate Penny Hotel, nestled in Williamsburg's core, perfectly captures the neighborhood's artistic essence.
—Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Morat’s fifth studio album Ya Es Mañana showcases a loyal band that skillfully navigates its evolution without sacrificing its true essence.
—Luisa Calle, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Elements drawn from the home’s location became intrinsic parts of its essence.
—Jim Cappuccino, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essence. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
essence
noun
es·sence
ˈes-ən(t)s
1
: the basic nature of a thing : the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is
the essence of love is unselfishness
2
: a substance physically or chemically separated from another substance (as a plant or drug) and having the special qualities (as odor) of the original substance
essence of peppermint
3
: the scent of something usually sweet-smelling
Medical Definition
essence
noun
es·sence
ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
1
: a substance considered to possess in high degree the predominant qualities of a natural product (as a plant or drug) from which it is extracted (as by distillation or infusion)
Legal Definition
essence
noun
es·sence
ˈes-ᵊns
1
: the real or ultimate nature of a thing : the properties that make a thing what it is
his award is legitimate only so long as it draws its essence from the collective bargaining agreement—United Steel Workers v. Enterprise Wheel and Car Corp., 363 U.S. 593 (1960)
see also essence test
United Steel Workers v. Enterprise Wheel and Car Corp., 363 U.S. 593 (1960)2
: the predominant purpose of a thing
the essence of the contract
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